Bombshell at BMC AGM

BMC president Rehan Siddiqui resigns despite defeating no-confidence call. Rehan Siddiqui told members attending the organisation’s packed annual meeting that he was quitting his post, moments after declaring a motion of no confidence had been overwhelmingly outvoted.

On Saturday 22 April, the sun beat down on the Welsh mountains, yet it was standing room only in the large lecture room at Plas y Brenin. The promise of a BMC AGM does not normally draw in the crowds – especially on a bluebird day – but this was no normal year.

The 170 climbers and walkers had turned their backs on the crags and hills to make their voice heard in a debate aiming straight at the heart of British mountaineering. The marathon four-hour session would see passionate views, informed debate, conspiracy theories and – in an unexpected finale – the resignation of current BMC President Rehan Siddiqui.